Darren Adam Heitner, Esq. is the Founder of HEITNER LEGAL, Founder/CEO of Dynasty Dealings, LLC, Professor of Sport Agency Management at Indiana University Bloomington, Co-Founder of Collegiate Sports Advisors (CSA) and Founder/Chief Editor of Sports Agent Blog, a leading niche industry publication. He is an attorney licensed to practice on the state and federal level, and focuses on sports, entertainment, and intellectual property litigation and transactional work.
Darren is the author of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know (published by the American Bar Association), Contributing Writer of An Athlete’s Guide to Agents, 5th Edition, and has authored many sports, entertainment and intellectual property-related Law Journal articles.
Darren has a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the same institution.

Short Window For Tim Howard To Earn Seven-Figures From World Cup Success

Had Chris Wondolowski been able to punch in what looked to be a very attainable goal in the final minutes of a defensive match between Belgium and the United States, his name would have been etched in stone next to or above U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan. Instead, he missed the opportunity and the burden of saving the United States from defeat fell back on U.S. goaltender Tim Howard’s shoulders. Howard provided a scintillating performance, saving almost every ball that came his way, but could not save them all. He still earned the temporary title of Secretary of Defense on Wikipedia and was told by the true U.S. Secretary of Defense that with some training Howard could become the real Secretary of Defense. His time to capitalize on his astronomical increased exposure and adoration among Americans is right now.

Despite losing a must-win game to Belgium, collective heads are still held high in America. Patriotism reached its peak in the days leading up to pivotal U.S. soccer matches and was astonishing on game day. Fans painted their faces and bodies, draped flags around their shoulders and engaged in serenades of songs that many had never heard of prior to the start of the 2014 World Cup. Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle writes that a 1-2-1 record (USA’s record of wins-losses-ties in the World Cup) is nothing to gush over, yet he recognizes that the general public (21 million Americans watched the loss against Belgium) is proud of the American soccer team, not disgusted by their lackluster record.

The flag waving, jingoistic sentiment will soon subside. NBA free agency has set in, the World Cup itself is nearing its conclusion and of course, the NFL season is coming. Thus, Tim Howard, in particular, has some decision-making ahead of him. Sit back and relax, potentially forfeiting lucrative opportunities or reap the rewards of an amazing showing against Belgium, and cash in.

Tim Howard, goalkeeper for the US men’s national soccer team, makes a save during training. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“I feel endorsement deals could be in the mid-six figures to low seven figures depending on what they ask for him in terms of appearances and filming for television versus print,” said Ben Sturner, CEO of Leverage Agency to FORBES while discussing Tim Howard’s current endorsement potential. Sturner, whose company serves as an agency representing the English Premier League’s Everton added, “Everton is known as America’s team. They have Howard for the next four years and just signed an extension … For anyone sponsoring U.S. soccer, partnering with Howard is a great way to extend that sponsorship going forward.” Sturner points to brands that can move quick, are nimble, and do not have a lot of red tape as those that may be in the best position to partner with Howard.

“Wouldn’t it be great for a brand to use him in a New York Times and a Sports Illustrated congratulations ad? Include, ‘Saving money,’ ‘Defense.’ ‘Hero’,” said Sturner with excitement. ”ADTADT security, SymantecSymantec, Norton Antivirus – those are some of the brands that I feel would be no-brainers for the defense theme that Tim Howard brings.”

However, even Sturner agrees that the window of opportunity for Tim Howard to cash-in will close rather quickly. He also cites the start of the NFL season as perhaps a date that should be circled on Howard’s calendar. At that point, talk of defense may shift from Tim Howard to Houston Texans defensive end J. J. Watt.

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